A RECORD number of 331 competitors from across Australia will travel to Adelaide for the South Australian BMX State Championships at Happy Valley this weekend, which includes a contingent of Blue Lake BMX Club riders.
A total of 26 riders from the South East will make the trip for the biggest competition in the state.
Those who finish in the top eight in their class will be awarded a plate, stating their position in South Australia in conclusion of the competition.
Blue Lake BMX Club training coach Sallyanne Morgan said the group of competitors look forward to the challenge.
“This is the largest amount of riders we have had nominate for four or five years,” she said.
“We have a lot of new sprockets (young riders) at the moment, which is good for the club’s future.”
Morgan said the change in weather in recent weeks had attracted more riders to the track for training.
“Through winter it is a bit quieter,” she said.
“There are no major races besides Worlds.”
Jasmine Morgan was the star of the show last year at the SA championships, claiming the number one plate in her age group.
As a result, she is a again expected to finish on the podium this weekend.
Her brother Riley Morgan, who was awarded 5SA in 2017, will hope to improve on his result.
Sallyanne Morgan said she expects a number of riders to return with plates.
“The Scott girls usually do really well,” she said.
“Caiden Garrett didn’t go last year, but if he has a good run this weekend I would expect him to do well.
“Jason Dickson is riding in the pro class and I think he should do really well.”
Despite high expectations from a number of riders, the task will by no means be easy.
Morgan said the host track this weekend is technical.
“Our track is very big and open, whereas theirs is tight and fast,” she said.
“It is very different.
“The corners are sharp, while ours are massive and open.
“It will be hard to pass, so if you get out in front from the start gate, then you will be hard to pass.”
The titles begin today with practise, followed by registration and practise tomorrow and racing Saturday and Sunday.
Blue Lake BMX Club competitors
Jacques Aslin, Rosanne Cruickshanks, Jason Dickson, Tara Dowdell, Caiden Garrett, Riley Hill, Peter Jelleff, Tyler Jelleff, Jade Jennings, Lily Jones, Stephen Jones, Angus McKinnon, Jasmine Morgan, Riley Morgan, Jaiden Picken, Sheridan Picken, Emalee Sajevec, Jack Sajevec, Jackson Saunders, Alistair Scott, Cedar Scott, Mercedes Scott, Raine Scott, Vespa Scott, Jye Smith, Trae Wilke.
